Projector, projection display system, and corresponding method and recording medium

ABSTRACT

In response to a requirement of transferring a file from a personal computer PC to a projector  10  that is output by dragging and dropping a corresponding file icon onto a projector icon, a CPU  50  requires setting of a password. The CPU  50  maps the preset password to a file and transfers the file with the password to an external storage device of the projector  10.  The projector  10  requires input of a password, which is expected to be assigned to the file, and allows reproduction of the file when the input password is coincident with the preset password.

CONTINUITY DATA

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12/068,333, filed Feb. 5,2008, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10/048,055, filedJan. 25, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,476, which in turn is a NationalStage Application of PCT/JP01/04629, filed May 31, 2001. Thisapplication claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Nos.2000-161876, filed May 31, 2000; 2000-175849, filed Jun. 12, 2000; and2000-175868, filed Jun. 12, 2000. The disclosures of the priorapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a projection-type display apparatus ora projector connectable with a network, a method of displaying imagesvia the network, and control of the operating conditions of theprojector via the network.

BACKGROUND ART

The projector-type display apparatus or the projector is, for example,connected to an image generation apparatus, such as a personal computer,via a video cable and is used for presentations and other purposes.Analog RGB signals generated by the personal computer are input into theprojector via the video cable and are projected as images on a screen orthe like.

Under such working conditions, the personal computer simply exerts thefunction of outputting video signals to the projector. The work ofconnecting the personal computer with the projector via the video cableon every occasion of use is rather troublesome and time-consuming.

It is accordingly convenient to store data for the presentation in theprojector. Under the recent development of the network environment, itis further convenient to distribute display video data to the projectorvia the network. In the structure of storing the presentation data inthe projector, some protection policy is desired to prevent the storeddata from being displayed by any third entity.

The projector for projecting and displaying images is capable of largescreen display and is thus widely used in lectures, meetings, and schoollessons. The projector is generally combined with a computer, whichfunctions as an image supply apparatus to the projector and also as acontrol apparatus for controlling the working state of the projector, toconstitute a display system. The computer as the control apparatus isconventionally connected with the projector via an interface likeRS-232C and carries out various control operations to control theprojector.

The user's control of the working state of the projector is implementedby execution of a specific software program by the computer. Otherwisethe working state of the projector may be controlled with a remotecontrol attached to the projector.

When there is a requirement to change the working state of the projectorin the middle of a meeting, for example, an operator who operates thecontrol apparatus generally carries out the change. When one of multipleparticipants, for example, in the meeting desires to change the workingstate of the projector, the participant should request the operator tochange the working state of the projector.

In the case of changing the working state of the projector according tothis procedure, there is a possibility that the request of change is notsmoothly transferred from the participant to the operator. If theparticipant desires to directly operate the control apparatus, theparticipant should move to the position where the control apparatus islocated. Because of these factors, the display system utilizing theprior art projector has poor operatability.

The user operates a remote control RM and causes a projector PJZ tocarry out diverse processing as shown in FIG. 30. The projector PJZprojects and displays an image on a screen SC, in response to an analogvideo signal AV1 supplied from an image supply apparatus 1900. The useroperates, for example, the remote control RM to superimpose anornamental image like a pointer image PPJ on an original image ORGprojected and displayed on the screen SC. Such superimposition of theornamental image on the original image ORG enhances the effects of thepresentation.

There are, however, difficulties in causing the projector PJZ to executethe processing with regard to the contents of the projected anddisplayed image through the operation of the remote control RM. This isascribed to the rather poor operatability of the remote control RM. Inthe case of sequential presentations by a plurality of people with oneprojector, it is required to successively transfer the remote control RMamong the respective presenters. This prevents smooth progress of thesequential presentations.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is thus to solve the above drawbacksand actualize the above requirements and to allow storage of data in aprojector while keeping secrecy of the data. The object of the inventionis also to project and display the stored data while keeping secrecy ofthe data.

In order to attain at least part of the above objects, a firstapplication of the present invention is an image display system, inwhich a computer and an image display apparatus including a storagedevice are connected with each other via a network. In the image displaysystem according to the first application of the present invention, thecomputer includes: an input unit that is used to input at least one ofdata and a command; a data storage module that stores therein displaydata to be displayed by the image display apparatus; a password settingrequirement module that requires setting of a password in the process oftransferring desired data from the data storage module to the storagedevice of the image display apparatus; and a data transfer module that,when a password is set via the input unit, maps the preset password tothe desired data and transfers the desired data with the password to thestorage device of the image display apparatus. The image displayapparatus includes: a data receiving module that stores the transferreddesired data with the password into the storage device; an input unitthat is used to input at least one of data and a command; anauthentication module that, in response to selection of desired displaydata among data stored in the storage device, requires input of apassword via the input unit and determines whether or not the inputpassword is coincident with the preset password; and a projectiondisplay module that allows the selected display data to be projected anddisplayed when it is determined that the two passwords are coincidentwith each other.

In the image display system according to the first application of thepresent invention, setting of a password is required in the process oftransferring data from the computer to the storage device of the imagedisplay apparatus. Data mapped to the preset password is thentransferred to the storage device of the image display apparatus. In theimage display apparatus, in response to selection of display data amongplural data stored in the storage device, the technique requires inputof a password and enables display data to be projected and displayedwhen the input password is coincident with the preset password. Thisarrangement desirably ensures secrecy of data stored in the storagedevice of the image display apparatus. This arrangement enables displayof data while keeping secrecy of data, when the displayed data is storedin the storage device of the image display apparatus.

In the image display system according to the first application of thepresent invention, the data transfer module of the computer may transferonly the desired data to the storage device of the image displayapparatus, when no password is set via the input unit. This arrangementallows transfer of data without setting a password. The projectiondisplay module of the image display apparatus may project and display aprojection display forbid window representing failed authentication,when it is determined that the two passwords are not coincident witheach other. This arrangement informs the user of a wrong input or awrong selection.

In accordance with one preferable embodiment of the image display systemaccording to the first application of the present invention, thecomputer further has a display screen, on which a list of data stored inthe data storage module and an icon representing the image displayapparatus are displayed, and the password setting requirement modulerequires setting of a password, when the desired data selected out ofthe list of storage data is dragged and dropped onto the icon of theimage display apparatus on the display screen. This arrangement enablesthe transfer of data from the computer to the storage device of theimage display apparatus to be visually observed, thus facilitating theoperation.

The image display system according to the first application of thepresent invention may further include a file server connecting with thenetwork. When a password is set via the input unit, the data transfermodule of the computer maps the preset password to the desired data andtransfers the desired data with the password to the file server. Thisarrangement assures storage of a large mass of data, which can not bestored in the storage device of the image display apparatus.

A second application of the present invention is a method of storingdata to be displayed with a projector via a computer. The methodincludes the steps of: specifying data to be displayed; determiningwhether or not a requirement of storing the specified data into astorage device is output; when it is determined that the storingrequirement is output, requiring setting of a password; mapping thepreset password to the specified data; and transferring the data withthe password to the storage device.

The data storage method according to the second application of thepresent invention requires setting of a password and transfers data withthe preset password mapped thereto to the storage device for storage.This arrangement ensures secrecy of data stored in the storage device.

In one preferable embodiment of the data storage method according to thesecond application of the present invention, it is determined that therequirement of storing the specified data into the storage device isoutput, when an icon representing the specified data is dragged anddropped onto an icon representing the storage device on a display screenof the computer. This arrangement maps a general drag and drop operationof a data icon onto an icon of the storage device on the display screento the requirement of setting a password, thus urging the user to set apassword without any specific operation.

In the data storage method according to the second application of thepresent invention, the storage device may be incorporated in theprojector or may be incorporated in a file server, which is connectedwith the projector and the computer via a network. The incorporation ofthe storage device in the projection display apparatus enables storeddata to be displayed by the projection display apparatus alone. Theincorporation of the storage device in the file server ensures storageof a large mass of data.

A third application of the present invention is a method of causingdisplay data including display data mapped to a password with an imagedisplay apparatus. The method includes the steps of: specifying desireddisplay data to be displayed, among a plurality of display data;determining whether or not the specified display data is mapped to apassword; when it is determined that the specified display data ismapped to a password, requiring input of a password, which is expectedto be assigned to the specified display data; determining whether or notthe input password is coincident with the password mapped to thespecified display data; and allowing the display data to be displayed,when it is determined that the input password is coincident with thepassword mapped to the specified display data.

In the third application of the present invention, the method requiresinput of a password in response to a display requirement of display datamapped to a password and enables the display data to be displayed whenthe input password is coincident with the mapped password. Namely theimage display apparatus does not allow the display of the display dataunless the input password is coincident with the mapped password. Thisarrangement desirably ensures secrecy of display data.

The method according to the third application of the present inventionmay further include the step of showing prohibition of display of thedisplay data, when it is determined the input password is not coincidentwith the password mapped to the specified display data. This arrangementinforms the user of a wrong input or wrong selection.

A fourth application of the present invention is an image displayapparatus having a function of data protection. The image displayapparatus according to the fourth application of the present inventionincludes: an input unit that is used to input at least one of data and acommand; a display data storage module that stores display dataincluding display data mapped to a password; a password requirementmodule that requires input of a password, in response to a displayrequirement for displaying the display data mapped to the password; anauthentication module that determines whether or not a password inputvia the input unit is coincident with the password mapped to the displaydata; and a projection display module that allows the required displaydata to be projected and displayed, when it is determined that the twopasswords are coincident with each other.

In the fourth application of the present invention, the techniquerequires input of a password in response to a display requirement ofdisplay data that is mapped to a password and stored in the display datastorage module and enables the display data to be projected anddisplayed when the input password is coincident with the mappedpassword. Namely the image display apparatus does not allow theprojection and display of the display data unless the input password iscoincident with the mapped password. This arrangement desirably ensuressecrecy of display data stored in the display data storage module of theimage display apparatus.

A fifth application of the present invention is an image displayapparatus having a storage device in which display data is stored. Theimage display apparatus according to the fifth application of thepresent invention includes: an input unit that is used to input at leastone of data and a command; a data list display module that displays alist of data stored in the storage device; a password input windowdisplay module that, in response to selection of data out of the datalist, displays an input window of a password assigned to the selecteddata; an authentication module that determines whether or not thepassword input via the input unit is coincident with a preset passwordmapped to the selected data; and a projection display module that allowsthe selected data to be projected and displayed, when it is determinedthat the input password is coincident with the preset password.

In the fifth application of the present invention, the techniquedisplays a password input window in response to selection of desireddata out of a list of data and enables the selected data to be projectedand displayed when the input password is coincident with a presetpassword. Namely the image display apparatus does not allow theprojection and display of the selected data unless the input password iscoincident with the preset password. This arrangement desirably ensuressecrecy of data stored in the storage device of the image displayapparatus.

The image display apparatus according to the fifth application of thepresent invention may further include a forbid window display modulethat displays a projection display forbid window representing failedauthentication, when the input password is not coincident with thepreset password.

A sixth application of the present invention is a computer readablemedium, in which a program executed on a computer for storing data to bedisplayed with a projector is stored. The program causes the computer toattain the functions of: specifying data to be displayed; determiningwhether or not a requirement of storing the specified data into astorage device is output; when it is determined that the storingrequirement is output, requiring setting of a password; mapping thepreset password to the specified data; and transferring the data withthe password to the storage device.

The technique according to the sixth application of the presentinvention requires setting of a password in the process of storing datain the storage device and transfers and stores the data mapped to thepreset password to and in the storage device. This arrangement desirablykeeps the secrecy of data stored in the storage device.

A seventh application of the present invention is a computer readablemedium, in which a program for allowing display data mapped to apassword to be displayed on an image display apparatus. The programcauses the computer to attain the functions of: specifying desireddisplay data to be displayed, among a plurality of display data;determining whether or not the specified display data is mapped to apassword; when it is determined that the specified display data ismapped to a password, requiring input of a password, which is expectedto be assigned to the specified display data; determining whether or notthe input password is coincident with the password mapped to thespecified display data; and allowing the display data to be displayed,when it is determined that the input password is coincident with thepassword mapped to the specified display data.

In the seventh application of the present invention, a password isassigned to the specified display data among multiple display data. Themethod requires input of a password and displays the specified displaydata when the input password is coincident with the assigned password.Each of the plural display data is protected by the assigned password.The display data is not displayed unless the input password iscoincident with the assigned password.

The object of the present invention is also to solve the drawbacks ofthe prior art technique discussed above and to enhance the operatabilityof controlling the working state of a projector.

In order to attain at least part of the above object, an eighthapplication of the present invention is a projector connectable with anetwork. The projector according to the eighth application of thepresent invention includes: a projection display module that causes animage to be projected and displayed; and a Web server module that iscapable of distributing Web page information, which includes workingstatus information representing a working status of the projectiondisplay module. The Web server module has: a page informationdistribution module that distributes the Web page information, whichincludes the working status information representing the working statusof the projection display module, to a Web client in response to arequirement from the Web client; a control signal supply module thatsupplies a control signal for controlling the working status of theprojection display module to the projection display module, according tocontrol information input on a Web page distributed to and displayed onthe Web client and sent back; and a page information update module thatfetches new working status information representing a new working statusof the projection display module controlled by the control signal andupdates the Web page information distributed to the Web client.

In the projector according to the eighth application of the presentinvention, the working state of the projection display module iscontrolled according to the control information input on the Web pagedistributed to the Web client (also referred to as the Web browser).This arrangement ensures easy control of the working state of theprojector via the network and thus enhances the operatability ofcontrolling the working state of the projector, compared with the priorart technique.

Here it is preferable that the Web page includes a button operated tochange the working status of the projector, and a press of the buttoncauses the control information to be transmitted to the projector.

The user can readily change the working state of the projector by simplyclicking the button on the Web page displayed on the Web client.

The eighth application of the present invention may be actualized bydiverse embodiments, for example, a method of controlling the workingstate of the projector, a computer program to attain the method or thefunctions of a corresponding apparatus, a recording medium in which sucha computer program is recorded, and a data signal that includes such acomputer program and is embodied in a carrier wave.

The object of the present invention is also to solve the drawbacks ofthe prior art technique discussed above and to provide a technique inwhich the user enables a projector to readily execute a series ofprocessing with regard to the contents of a projected and displayedimage.

In order to attain at least part of the above object, a ninthapplication of the present invention is a projector connecting with anexternal input apparatus having an input unit via a network. Theprojector according to the ninth application of the present inventionincludes: a network interface module that connects with the network; avideo data generation module that executes a predetermined series ofprocessing with regard to contents of an image to be projected anddisplayed and generates video data representing the image to beprojected and displayed, based on operation information generatedthrough an operation of the input unit of the eternal input device andsupplied to the network interface module via the network; anelectro-optic device that generates an image ray according to the videodata; and a projection optical system that projects the image raygenerated by the electro-optic device.

In the projector according to the ninth application of the presentinvention, the series of processing with regard to the contents of theprojected and displayed image is carried out to generate the video data,based on the operation information supplied via the network interfacemodule. The user accordingly enables the projector to readily executethe series of processing with regard to the contents of the projectedand displayed image by a simple operation of the input unit incorporatedin the external input apparatus.

Connection of multiple external input apparatuses to the network ensuresthe smooth progress of sequential presentations, which are made by aplurality of people with one projector.

In one preferable embodiment of the projector according to the ninthapplication of the present invention, the image to be projected anddisplayed includes an original image and an ornamental imagesuperimposed on the original image, ornamental video data representingthe ornamental image is not supplied from the external input apparatusbut is prepared by the video data generation module, and the video datageneration module combines original video data representing the originalimage with the ornamental video data to generate the video data, basedon the operation information supplied from the external storage device,thereby superimposing the ornamental image at a predetermined positionon the original image.

The user operates the input unit incorporated in the external inputapparatus to superimpose the ornamental image on the projected anddisplayed original image.

In the projector according to the ninth application of the presentinvention, it is preferable that the operation information includes atleast positional information, which is generated through an operation ofa pointing device used as the input unit of the external inputapparatus, and the video data generation module superimposes a pointerimage as the ornamental image at the predetermined position on theoriginal image, based on the positional information.

In this arrangement, the user can readily move the pointer imagesuperimposed on the projected and displayed original image by a simplemovement of the pointing device incorporated in the external inputapparatus.

In the projector according to the ninth application of the presentinvention, it is also preferable that the positional informationincludes coordinate value information specified by the pointing device.

This arrangement enables the position specified by the pointing deviceto be readily mapped to the position of the pointer image superimposedon the projected and displayed original image.

In one preferable embodiment of the projector according to the ninthapplication of the present invention, the operation information furtherincludes switch information generated through an operation of a switchmounted on the pointing device, and the video data generation modulesuperimposes an ornamental image, which is different from the pointerimage, in a specified area on the original image, based on thepositional information and the switch information included in theoperation information.

The operation information including the positional information and theswitch information can specify the specific area in the original image.This allows an ornamental image, which is different from the pointerimage, to be superimposed in the specified area.

In another preferable embodiment of the projector according to the ninthapplication of the present invention, the operation information furtherincludes key information generated through an operation of a keyboard asthe input device of the external input apparatus, and the video datageneration module superimposes a symbol image as the ornamental image onthe original image, based on the key information.

In this arrangement, a symbol image like letters is readily superimposedon the projected and displayed original image by a simple user'soperation of the keyboard incorporated in the external input apparatus.

A tenth application of the present invention is a projection displaysystem including an external input apparatus and a projector connectingwith each other via a network. In the projection display systemaccording to the tenth application of the present invention, theexternal input apparatus includes: an input unit; an operationinformation generation module that detects a user's operation of theinput unit and generates operation information based on a result of thedetection; and a first network interface module that connects with thenetwork and supplies the operation information to the projector via thenetwork. The projector includes: a second network interface module thatconnects with the network; a video data generation module that executesa predetermined series of processing with regard to contents of an imageto be projected and displayed and generates video data representing theimage to be projected and displayed, based on the operation informationsupplied to the second network interface module via the network; anelectro-optic device that generates an image ray according to the videodata; and a projection optical system that projects the image raygenerated by the electro-optic device.

The projection display system according to the tenth application of thepresent invention includes the projector according to the ninthapplication of the present invention and thus exerts the similarfunctions and effects to those of the projector. The user enables theprojector to readily carry out a series of processing with regard to thecontents of a projected and displayed original image by a simpleoperation of the input unit incorporated in the external inputapparatus.

In one preferable embodiment of the projection display system accordingto the tenth application of the present invention, the external inputapparatus further has a display unit, and the operation informationgeneration module causes an operation information generation area, inwhich the operation information is generated in response to theoperation of the pointing device, to be displayed on the display unit,and detects the operation of the pointing device only when a pointerimage corresponding to the pointing device is present in the operationinformation generation area.

In this arrangement, the operation information is generated only whenthe pointer image is present in the operation information generationarea. While the pointer image is located out of the operationinformation generation area, the user can implement another operationwith the pointing device.

In the projection display system according to the tenth application ofthe present invention, it is preferable that the operation informationgeneration area is mapped to an image area to be projected anddisplayed.

This arrangement enables the positional relation of the pointer image inthe operation information generation area to be substantially coincidentwith the positional relation of the pointer image in the projected anddisplayed image area.

An eleventh application of the present invention is a method ofgenerating operation information that is generated through an operationof an input unit included in an external input apparatus and is suppliedto a projector, which is connected to the external input apparatus via anetwork. The method includes the steps of: (a) detecting a user'soperation of the input unit; and (b) generating the operationinformation, based on a result of the detection.

In this arrangement, the user operates the input unit included in theexternal input apparatus to generate the operation information. Supplyof the operation information to the projector enables the projector toreadily execute a predetermined series of processing with regard to thecontents of a projected and displayed image.

In one preferable embodiment of the method according to the eleventhapplication of the present invention, the step (a) includes the stepsof: (a-1) causing an operation information generation area, in which theoperation information is generated in response to an operation of apointing device as the input unit, to be displayed on a display unitincorporated in the external input apparatus; and (a-2) detecting theoperation of the pointing device only when a pointer image correspondingto the pointing device is present in the operation informationgeneration area.

In this arrangement, the operation information is generated only whenthe pointer image is present in the operation information generationarea. While the pointer image is located out of the operationinformation generation area, the user can perform another operation withthe pointing device.

A twelfth application of the present invention is a computer readablerecording medium in which a computer program is recorded, where thecomputer program generates operation information that is generatedthrough an operation of an input unit incorporated in an external inputapparatus and is supplied to a projector, which is connected to theexternal input apparatus via a network. The computer program causes acomputer to attain the functions of: detecting a user's operation of theinput unit; and generating the operation information, based on a resultof the detection.

Like the method of the present invention discussed above, when theexternal input apparatus executes the computer program recorded in therecording medium, the user can generate the operation informationthrough an operation of the input unit incorporated in the externalinput apparatus. Supply of the operation information to the projectorenables the projector to readily execute a predetermined series ofprocessing with regard to the contents of a projected and displayedimage.

The ninth through the twelfth applications of the present invention maybe actualized by diverse embodiments, for example, computer programs toattain the functions of the projector or the projection display system,recording media in which such computer programs are recorded, and datasignals that include such computer programs and are embodied in carrierwaves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image display system constructedthrough connection of a projector with a network in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal circuit structure of theprojector in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed to transferdisplay data from a personal computer PC to the projector 10;

FIG. 4 shows a series of processing carried out on a display 54 of thepersonal computer PC to transfer the display data from the personalcomputer PC to the projector 10;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a password setting window open on the display54 after conclusion of the processing shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed when theprojector 10 reproduces a data file stored in an external storage device41;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a remote control 40 used in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 8 shows an example of a menu window open on a projection displayscreen SR of the projector 10;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a file selection window open on theprojection display screen SR of the projector 10;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplified display of a password input box PB1 open onthe projection display screen SR of the projector 10;

FIG. 11 shows an exemplified display of a failed authentication displaybox PB2 open on the projection display screen SR of the projector 10;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplified display of a reproduction forbid displaybox PB3 open on the projection display screen SR of the projector 10;

FIG. 13 illustrates a layout of another projector in a second embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating the construction ofan ASP terminal module 20 functioning as a Web server module;

FIG. 15 shows a homepage distributed from the Web server module 20 anddisplayed on a Web browser CC;

FIG. 16 shows a working state setting menu window open on the Webbrowser CC as a Web page;

FIG. 17 shows a video setting window open on the Web browser CC as a Webpage;

FIG. 18 shows an audio setting window open on the Web browser CC as aWeb page;

FIG. 19 shows the video setting window after an increase in brightnessby one step;

FIG. 20 illustrates a projection display system in a third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the structure of a projector PJ1 shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the structure of a computer PC1 shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 shows one application of the projection display system of FIG.20;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing series of processing executed by theprojector PJ1 and the computer PC1;

FIG. 25 shows an Operation Detection window DW open on a display unit1350 of the computer PC1;

FIG. 26 shows a process of superimposing a box image PB on an originalimage ORG by utilizing a pointer image PPJ in the original image ORG;

FIG. 27 shows an image projected and displayed in response to a user'soperation of a keyboard KB as an input unit 1360;

FIG. 28 shows a projection display system in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 29 shows a series of processing to directly edit the contents of anoriginal image ORG projected and displayed on a screen SC; and

FIG. 30 shows a prior art projector.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

A projector having security functions and an image display systemconstructed through connection of the projector with a network arediscussed below as a first embodiment of the present invention withreference to the drawings.

A. Construction of Projector in First Embodiment

The following describes the schematic structure of a projection-typedisplay apparatus or a projector in the first embodiment with referringto FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image displaysystem constructed through connection of the projector with a network inthe first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internalcircuit structure of the projector in the first embodiment.

A projector 10 is connected to a file server FS and a personal computer(computer) PC via a network line NL. The personal computer PC includes aCPU 50 that executes application programs, a ROM 51 that stores thereinthe application programs, and a RAM 52 that temporarily registers thecontents of processing under execution of the application programs. Thepersonal computer PC also has an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 53 thatstores therein data (display data, files) generated by the applicationprograms after conclusion of the application programs and a display 54that displays user interfaces of the application programs. The displaydata stored in the HDD 53 of the personal computer PC are transferred toeither the projector 10 or the file server FS according to a procedurediscussed later. Commands and data are input into the personal computerPC through an external wireless input device 55 like a keyboard 551 anda mouse 552.

The projector 10 has an external storage device 41, for example, amemory card in conformity to the PCMCIA standard, in which the displaydata transferred from the personal computer PC are stored. Commands anddata are input into the projector 10 through an external input device 40like a remote control. The file server FS functions to store the displaydata in place of the projector 10. For reproduction (projection) ofdisplay data, when the projector 10 requires the file server FS totransfer the display data, the required display data are transferredfrom the file server FS to the projector 10 via the network line NL.

The internal structure of the projector 10 of the first embodiment isdiscussed with reference to FIG. 2. The projector 10 has an ASP terminalmodule 20 mainly exerting functions of an ASP terminal and a projectormodule 30 mainly exerting conventional projector functions. Theprojector 10 of the first embodiment accordingly functions as an ASPterminal.

The ASP terminal module 20 includes a first central processing unit(CPU) 200 that executes viewer applications, ASP client applications,and other diverse operations, a first read only memory (ROM) 202 thatstores therein a variety of programs including the viewer applicationsand the client applications executed by the first CPU 200, and a firstrandom access memory (RAM) 204 that temporarily registers therein theresults of the operations by the first CPU 200 and data. Anauthentication program, which is executed before reproduction(projection display) of display data, is also stored in the first ROM202. The first CPU 200 and the first ROM 202 are connected with eachother to allow one-way or two-way communication. The first CPU 200 andthe first RAM 204 are connected with each other to allow two-waycommunication.

The ASP terminal module 20 has a graphics controller 210, which isconnected with the first CPU 200 to allow two-way communication andgenerates video data in response to a drawing instruction output fromthe first CPU 200. The graphics controller 210 has an LSI chip (notshown) for generating images and a video memory or a first frame memory(VRAM) 212 for storing the generated images (display images) therein.

The ASP terminal module 20 is provided with a network interfacecontroller 220, an I/O port 230, a PCMCIA interface controller 240, anda USB controller 250, which function as interfaces used for transmissionof commands and data between the projector 10 and external devices. Thenetwork interface controller 220 is, for example, in conformity to theEthernet standard and converts the commands and data to be transmittedfrom the ASP terminal module 20 to the network line NL into an adequateformat according to a protocol of network communication, whileconverting the signals received from the network line NL into a formatsuitable for the processing executed in the ASP terminal module 20. TheI/O port is a general input-output port and is connected with a wirelessinput unit 234 via an identification circuit 232 and with the externalinput device 40 and a second CPU 300 in the projector module 30. Thewireless input unit 234 receives input data wirelessly transmitted froma wireless input device. The identification unit 232 identifies theinput data received by the wireless input unit 234 as input dataaddressed to the ASP terminal module 20.

The PCMCIA interface controller 240 transfers data from the ASP terminalmodule 20 to an external device and inversely from the external deviceto the ASP terminal module 20 according to the PCMCIA standard. In thisembodiment, for example, a PC memory card is connected as the externalstorage device 41, and the display data transferred from the personalcomputer PC are stored in the external storage device 41. The USBcontroller 250 takes charge of transmission of data between the ASPterminal module 20 and the external device according to the USBstandard, and is connected with the external input device 40, forexample, via a USBHUB 252.

The ASP terminal module 20 is further connected with a real time clock260 that supplies the absolute time in the ASP terminal module 20 andwith a sound source 262 that generates audio data in response to aninstruction output from the first CPU 200.

The first CPU 200 and the respective controllers like 210 are mutuallyconnected via a bus for transmitting data and commands in the ASPterminal module 20.

The structure of the projector module 30 is discussed below. Theprojector module 30 includes a second central processing unit (CPU) 300that executes predetermined programs to control respective circuits inthe projector module 30, a second read only memory (ROM) 302 that storestherein the programs executed by the second CPU 300, and a second randomaccess memory (RAM) 304 that temporarily registers therein the resultsof operations by the second CPU 300 and data. The second CPU 300 and thesecond ROM 302 are connected with each other to allow one-way or two-waycommunication. The second CPU 300 and the second RAM 304 are connectedwith each other to allow two-way communication. The second CPU 300 andthe first CPU 200 are communicated with each other via the I/P port 230to allow two-way communication, so that data and commands aretransmittable between the first CPU 200 and the second CPU 300.

The projector module 30 is further provided with a video signalconversion circuit 310, an audio control circuit 320, a liquid crystal(LCD) driving circuit 330, a light source driving circuit 340, a coolingfan control circuit 350, and a projection optical system 360.

The video signal conversion circuit 310 exerts analog-to-digitalconversion, decoding, synchronizing signal separation, and imageprocessing functions. More concretely, the video signal conversioncircuit 310 converts analog video signals input from an external videosignal input terminal 312 into digital video data, and writes theconverted digital video data into a non-illustrated frame memoryincluded in the video signal conversion circuit 310 or reads the digitalvideo data, which has been written previously into the frame memory,from the frame memory in synchronism with a synchronizing signal.Typical examples of the input analog video signals include RGB signalsoutput from the personal computer and composite video signals outputfrom a video cassette recorder. In the case where the input analog videosignal is a composite video signal, the video signal conversion circuit310 demodulates the composite video signal, separates a component videosignal consisting of three color signal components RGB from asynchronizing signal included in the composite video signal, andconverts the component video signal into digital video data. In the casewhere the input analog video signal is an RGB signal output from thepersonal computer, on the other hand, the synchronizing signalseparation is not required since the RGB signal is input as a componentvideo signal separately from the synchronizing signal. The video signalconversion circuit 310 thus simply converts the component video signalinto digital video data.

The video signal conversion circuit 310 also receives digital videosignals transmitted from the graphics controller 210 in the ASP terminalmodule 20. Neither the analog-to-digital conversion nor thesynchronizing signal separation is required since the digital videosignal is input separately from the synchronizing signal.

The audio control circuit 320 is connected with an external audio signalinput terminal 322, a speaker 324, the second CPU 300, and the soundsource 262 in the ASP terminal module 20. The audio control circuit 320connecting with the second CPU 300 drives the speaker 324 with a drivingsignal, which is generated based on an audio signal or sound datatransferred from the external audio signal input terminal 322 or thesound source 262, in response to an instruction output from the secondCPU 300.

The LCD driving circuit 330 receives video data processed by the videosignal conversion circuit 310 and drives an LCD 332 according to theinput video data to modulate light emitted from a light source 342. Thelight modulated by the LCD 332 is projected on a projection plane, forexample, on a projection screen, via the projection optical system 360including lenses. The light source 342 is connected with the lightsource control circuit 340, which controls on and off the light source342 in response to an instruction output from the second CPU 300. Acooling fan 352 is disposed behind the light source 342 to blast thecooling air against the light source 342. The cooling fan 352 isconnected with the cooling fan control circuit 350, which regulates therevolving speed of the cooling fan 352 in response to an instructionoutput from the second CPU 300.

It is desirable that the ASP terminal module 20 is mounted, for example,on one printed wiring board to allow arbitrary attachment to anddetachment from the projector. As clearly understood from the structureof FIG. 2, this projector is capable of projecting and displaying imagesin response to externally supplied video signals even in thenon-attachment state of the ASP terminal module 20. The arbitraryattachment and detachment of the ASP terminal module 20 to and from theprojector facilitates construction of both a projector with thefunctions of the ASP terminal module 20 (that is, the ASP terminalfunctions and drawing functions discussed later) and a projector withoutthe functions of the ASP terminal module 20.

B. Basic Operations of Projector in First Embodiment

The following describes the basic operations of the projector 10 havingthe above construction with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

A signal input into the projector 10 via the network line NL isconverted into a specific format suitable for the ASP terminal module 20by the network interface controller 220 of the ASP terminal module 20,and is transferred as data and a command to the first CPU 200. The firstCPU 200 temporarily registers the transferred data into the first RAM204 and determines whether the transferred command is a commandaddressed to the ASP terminal module 20 or a command addressed to theprojector module 30. When the transferred command is a command addressedto the projector module 30, the first CPU 200 further transfers thecommand to the second CPU 300 in the projector module 30 via the I/Oport 230.

When the transferred command is a command addressed to the ASP terminalmodule 20, on the other hand, the first CPU 200 carries out an operationbased on the transferred command. For example, the first CPU 200 storesthe data, which has temporarily been registered in the first RAM 204,into the external storage device 41. In another example, the first CPU200 carries out an authentication program, which will be discussedlater, in response to a requirement of reproducing (a requirement ofprojecting and displaying) the data stored in the external storagedevice 41, which is input through the remote control 40. In order toread (reproduce) the data stored in either the external storage device41 or the first RAM 204, the first CPU 200 reads and activates anadequate viewer application from the first ROM 202 to generate userinterface data of the stored data and transfers the user interface datatogether with a drawing command to the graphics controller 210.

In still another example, when the projector 10 functions as a client ofserver base computing (SBC), the first CPU 200 activates a correspondingclient application and transmits a drawing command to the graphicscontroller 210 to generate user interface video data from input displayvideo data having a specific format. The graphics controller 210generates the user interface video data (hereinafter simply referred toas the ‘video data’) to be displayed based on the user interface data orthe display video data in response to the input drawing command, andstores the generated video data into the VRAM 212 included in thegraphics controller 210.

In response to an instruction output from the first CPU 200, thegraphics controller 210 reads the video data from the VRAM 212 of thegraphics controller 210 at a preset timing and transfers the video datato the video signal conversion circuit 310 of the projector module 30.The first CPU 200 receives a command or data from the external inputdevice 40 via the USBHUB 252, the USB controller 250, and the I/O port230. The first CPU 200 may write the data stored in the first RAM 204 orthe video data stored in the VRAM 212 of the graphics controller 210 viathe PCMCIA interface controller 240 into the external storage device 41,in response to a command input from the external input device 40 or viathe network line NL.

When receiving video data from the graphics controller 210, the videosignal conversion circuit 310 carries out the series of processingdiscussed above and transfers the processed video data to the LCDdriving circuit 330. The LCD driving circuit 330 drives and controls theLCD 332 based on the input video data, and causes desired video data tobe projected on the projection screen.

When the command transferred from the network line NL via the I/O port230 represents an ON instruction of the light source 342, the second CPU300 turns the light source 342 ON via the light source control circuit340. The second CPU 300 regulates the working conditions (for example,the rotational speed and the rotational timing) of the cooling fan 352according to the temperature of the light source 342 via the cooling fancontrol circuit 350.

The data transmission from the projector 10 to the network line NL iscarried out via the network interface controller 220, in response to aninstruction output from the first CPU 200.

C. Process of Storing Display Data into Projector and Process ofDisplaying Display Data with Projector in First Embodiment

The following describes a series of processing executed to transferdisplay data (file) from the personal computer PC to the projector 10 ofthe above construction via the network with referring to FIGS. 1 and 3to 5. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed totransfer the display data from the personal computer PC to the projector10. FIG. 4 shows a series of processing carried out on the display 54 ofthe personal computer PC to transfer the display data from the personalcomputer PC to the projector 10. FIG. 5 shows an example of a passwordsetting window open on the display 54 after conclusion of the processingshown in FIG. 4.

Data like presentation data and word processor data generated byexecution of an application program on the personal computer PC aretemporarily registered in the RAM 52 of the personal computer PC duringexecution of the application program. On conclusion of the applicationprogram, the data are stored in the form of a data file in the internalHDD 53 of the personal computer PC. Multiple data files including thosegenerated in the past are accordingly stored in the HDD 53.

In the processing routine shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 50 of the personalcomputer PC waits for input of a file storage requirement (step S100:No). When detecting input of a file storage requirement (step S100:Yes), the CPU 50 requires input of a destination of file storage (stepS110).

General operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI) shown onthe display 54 to visually execute a diversity of operations. In such aGUI environment, as shown in FIG. 4, a file icon FL assigned to eachfile stored in the HDD 53 is shown in a window FW on the display 54, anda projector icon PJ representing the projector 10 as the destination oftransfer is shown on the display 54. In order to move (transfer) a filefrom the HDD 53 to the projector 10, the process places a mouse pointerMP on a desired file icon FL, moves the mouse pointer MP onto theprojector icon PJ during a press of a selection button of the mouse 552,and releases the selection button on the projector ion PJ. This seriesof actions is a file movement operation known as drag and drop (D&D).

When the coordinate position of the mouse pointer MP overlaps the areaof the projector icon PJ during a press of the selection button of themouse 552 and the selection button of the mouse 552 is then released inthe area, the CPU 50 of the personal computer PC detects input of thefile storage requirement.

The CPU 50 of the personal computer PC determines whether or not theinput destination of file storage is a default (step S120). When thedestination of file storage is the default (step S120: Yes), a passwordinput window PW is open on the display 54 (step S130) to ask for settinga password as shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the destination offile storage set as the default is the external storage device 41 of theprojector 10. The default is changeable to an arbitrary destination offile storage through the operations on the setting window in thisprocessing routine.

When the input destination of file storage is different from the default(step S120: No), on the other hand, the CPU 50 of the personal computerPC changes the destination of file storage (step S140) and requiressetting of a password (step S130). In this embodiment, desired files maybe stored in, for example, the file server FS connecting with thepersonal computer PC via the network line NL. The storage capacity ofthe external storage device 41 of the projector 10 is generally not solarge. The file server FS is thus conveniently used to store a largequantity of files (data).

The CPU 50 of the personal computer PC determines whether or not apassword has been set (step S150). When a password has been set (stepS150: Yes), the password is mapped to the dragged and dropped file (stepS160). The CPU 50 transfers the file mapped to the password to thepreset destination of file storage (step S170) and exits from thisprocessing routine. The transferred file is stored in either theexternal storage device 41 of the projector or the file server FS.

In the process of setting a password, for example, when five arbitrarynumerals 1 to 5 are input via the keyboard 551, five asterisks are shownin an input box PW1 of the password input window PW. The user re-entersthe same password in a confirmation input box PW2 for the purpose ofconfirmation and clicks an ‘OK’ button with the mouse pointer MP to setthe password. When input of the password is not required, the userclicks the ‘OK’ button with the mouse pointer MP with the input box PW1left blank to close the password input window PW. In this embodiment,the available numerals input from the remote control 40 are 1 to 5 asdiscussed later, so that the numerals used for setting the password arelimited to the range of 1 to 5. Other numerals and letters may becombined according to the specification of the remote control.

When no password has been set (step S150: No), on the other hand, theCPU 50 of the personal computer PC transfers only the file to the presetdestination of file storage (step S170) and exits from this processingroutine. The transferred file is stored in either the external storagedevice 41 of the projector or the file server FS.

The following describes a series of authentication process executed whenthe projector 10 reproduces the display data stored in the externalstorage device 41, with referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 to 12. FIG. 6 isa flowchart showing a processing routine executed when the projector 10reproduces the data file (display data) stored in the external storagedevice 41. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the remote control 40 usedin this embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a menu window open on aprojection display screen SR of the projector 10. FIG. 9 shows anexample of a file selection window open on the projection display screenSR of the projector 10. FIG. 10 shows an exemplified display of apassword input box PB1 open on the projection display screen SR of theprojector 10. FIG. 11 shows an exemplified display of a failedauthentication display box PB2 open on the projection display screen SRof the projector 10. FIG. 12 shows an exemplified display of areproduction forbid display box PB3 open on the projection displayscreen SR of the projector 10.

The remote control 40 used for transmitting commands in this processingroutine has numeral keys 401 of 1 to 5, which work as function keys toexecute previously allocated functions, as shown in FIG. 7. The remotecontrol 40 is also provided with a joy stick 402 for shifting the cursoror pointer position on the projection display screen SR in the verticaldirection and in the horizontal direction, a Menu Call key 403, and anEnter key 404. Prior to start of this processing routine, the Menu Callkey 403 of the remote control 40 is operated to project and display amenu window shown in FIG. 8.

The first CPU 200 of the projector 10 waits for input of a fileselection requirement through operations of the remote control 40 (stepS200: No). When detecting input of a file selection requirement (stepS200: Yes), the first CPU 200 requires the second CPU 300 to project anddisplay a file selection window shown in FIG. 9 (step S210). The firstCPU 200 detects input of the file selection requirement in response to apress of the Enter key 404 while a menu bar MB1, that is, a menu option‘2. File Selection’, is highlighted through the operation of the joystick 402 on the menu window shown in FIG. 8.

The first CPU 200 determines whether or not input of a selected filereproduction requirement is detected (step S220). The first CPU 200detects input of the selected file reproduction requirement in responseto a press of the Enter key 404 while a menu bar MB2, that is, a desiredfile option ‘2. *****.ppt’, is highlighted through the operation of thejoy stick 402 on the file selection window shown in FIG. 9.

When detecting input of the selected file reproduction requirement (stepS220: Yes), the first CPU 200 requires the second CPU 300 to project anddisplay a password input box PB1 shown in FIG. 10 (step S230). In thepassword input box PB1, input of a password is required. The passwordconsisting of the combination of five numerals 1 to 5 is input throughthe operation of the function keys 401 on the remote control 40. Thefirst CPU 200 compares the input password with the preset password (stepS240). When both the passwords are coincident with each other (stepS240: Yes), the first CPU 200 requires the graphics controller 210 todraw the selected file and starts reproduction of the selected file(step S250). The video data drawn and generated by the graphicscontroller 210 are processed through the video signal processing circuit310, the LCD driving circuit 330, the LCD 332, and the projectionoptical system 360 of the projector module 30 and projected anddisplayed on the projection screen.

When the password input via the remote control 40 is not coincident withthe preset password (step S240: No), the first CPU 200 increments acount Ce on an incoincidence counter that counts the frequency ofincoincidence by one (step S260). The count Ce should be a positiveintegral value. The first CPU 200 then determines whether or not thecount Ce on the incoincidence counter is not less than 4 (step S270).When the count Ce on the incoincidence counter is 3 or less (step S270:No), the first CPU 200 requires the second CPU 300 to project anddisplay a failed authentication display box PB2 shown in FIG. 11 (stepS280). The first CPU 200 waits for another input of the password underthe display of the failed authentication display box PB2.

When the count Ce on the incoincidence counter is 4 or greater (stepS270: Yes), on the other hand, the first CPU 200 requires the second CPU300 to project and display a reproduction forbid display box PB3 shownin FIG. 12 (step S290) and does not execute reproduction of the selectedfile. In order to prevent illegal accesses, reproduction of the selectedfile is prohibited if incoincidence of the password continues apredetermined number of times (four in this embodiment). In response toa click of an ‘OK’ button on the reproduction forbid display box PB3with the mouse 552 (the mouse pointer), the first CPU 200 shifts theprocessing to step S300.

The first CPU 200 resets the count Ce on the incoincidence counter tozero (step S300), before exiting from this processing routine.

When detecting no input of the selected file reproduction requirement(step S220: No), the first CPU 200 immediately exits from thisprocessing routine. This corresponds to, for example, a case ofconfirming files stored in the external storage device 41 of theprojector 10.

As described above, the arrangement of the first embodiment enablesdisplay data (files) to be transferred to and stored in the externalstorage device 41 of the projector 10 via the network line NL. Datafiles required for presentation may be stored in advance in the externalstorage device 41 of the projector 40. This arrangement enables theprojector 10 to be used alone for presentation without connecting withthe personal computer PC. This desirably saves the labor and time forconnection with the personal computer PC every time the projector 10 isused.

In the arrangement of the first embodiment, the drag and drop of thefile icon FL onto the projector icon PJ on the display 54 of thepersonal computer PC enables the corresponding selected file to betransferred to and stored in the projector 10. This ensures the visualcheck on the file transfer and storage operation. Prior to start of thefile transfer from the personal computer PC to the projector 10, thepassword setting window PW is open on the display 54 to set the passwordmapped to the selected file. This ensures the secrecy of the file.

In the arrangement of the first embodiment, in response to a filereproduction instruction, the projector 10 displays the password inputbox PB1 on the projection display screen SR to wait for input of thepassword. The projector 10 starts reproduction of the selected file onlywhen the input password is coincident with the preset password. Thisarrangement effectively prevents any file stored in the external storagedevice 41 from being illegally reproduced by any third person, and thusassures the secrecy of files. Even when a large number of people shareone projector PJ, there is no need of eliminating the existing filesfrom the external storage device 41 on every occasion of use. Namely thesecrecy of the respective files is desirably kept even when a pluralityof people share the projector 10 with the existing files stored in theexternal storage device 41.

In the technique of the first embodiment, the preset password is acombination of available numerals (1 to 5) on the remote control 40.There is accordingly no need of using a separate input device other thanthe remote control 40 to input the password on the projector 10.

Second Embodiment

The following describes another projector in a second embodiment of thepresent invention. The description mainly regards the differences in thestructure of the projector of the second embodiment. The constituents ofthe projector of the second embodiment that are identical with those ofthe projector of the first embodiment are expressed by the same symbolsas those used in the first embodiment and are not specifically describedhere.

D. Layout of Projector in Second Embodiment

FIG. 13 illustrates a layout of the projector in the second embodimentof the present invention. The projector 10 may be, for example,suspended from the ceiling as shown in FIG. 13. The projector 10 isconnected to the network line NL and transmits data and commands to andfrom a server computer SC and a client computer CC via the network lineNL. The user can input commands and data into the projector 10 with anexternal wireless input device 40, such as a wireless keyboard 401 and awireless mouse 402. Images supplied from a non-illustrated image supplyapparatus to the projector 10 are projected on a projection screen SCR.

In the structure of the second embodiment, the ASP terminal module 20functions as a Web server module. One of the functions of the Web servermodule distributes Web pages including working status information, whichrepresent the working status of the projection display module. Webserver applications for releasing Web pages are thus stored, in additionto the viewer applications and other applications, in the first ROM 202.When the ASP terminal module 20 functions as the Web server module, thefirst CPU 200 reads a Web server application from the first ROM 202 andactivates the Web server application to distribute specified Web pageinformation to a Web client (also called a Web browser).

E. Control of Working State of Projector in Second Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating the construction ofthe ASP terminal module 20 functioning as the Web server module. Thefirst CPU 200 executes the Web server application stored in the firstROM 202, so that the ASP terminal module 20 functions as the Web servermodule. In the following discussion, the ASP terminal module 20 may bereferred to as the Web server module 20. The Web server module 20 mainlyincludes a controller 21 that controls the general operations, a workingstatus information collecting unit 22, a page information distributionunit 24, a network input-output unit 26, and a working state controller27.

The network input-output unit 26 functions to control the operations ofthe network I/F controller 220. The working status informationcollecting unit 22 functions to collect information representing theworking conditions of the projector module 30 and the ASP terminalmodule 20 as working status information 23. The information representingthe working conditions of the ASP terminal module 20 are stored in thefirst ROM 202 and the first RAM 204 (see FIG. 2). The informationrepresenting the working conditions of the projector module 30 arestored in the second ROM 302 and the second Ram 304 (see FIG. 2) and aretransferred from the second CPU 300 via the I/O port 230.

The page information distribution unit 24 functions to, in response to arequirement from the Web client (or the Web browser) executed in theclient computer CC, select page information representing a correspondingWeb page out of a page information database 25 and distribute theselected page information. The page information to be distributed mayinclude the working status information 23 collected by the workingstatus information collecting unit 22.

The working state controller 27 functions to control the working stateof the ASP terminal module 20 according to control information (acommand) sent back from the Web browser, while supplying a controlsignal to the projector module 30 to control the working state of theprojector module 30. The projector module 30 controls a correspondingworking condition in response to the supplied control signal. A Web pageupdate command is sent back with the control information from the Webbrowser. When the working state controller 27 controls the workingstate, the working status information collecting unit 22 newly collectsthe working status information 23 and the page information distributionunit 24 distributes the page information including the newly collectedworking status information to update the Web page displayed on the Webbrowser. The working status information collecting unit 22 may monitor achange of the working state irrespective of the control by the workingstate controller 27 and newly collect the working status information ifthere is any change.

The working state controller 27 corresponds to the control signal supplymodule of the present invention, and the working status informationcollecting unit 22 and the page information distribution unit 24correspond to the page information updating module of the presentinvention.

The following describes a procedure of setting various workingconditions of the projector from the client computer CC with referringto FIGS. 15 to 19. In the Web browser executed by the client computer CC(hereinafter may simply be referred to as the ‘Web browser CC’), inresponse to input of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) assigned to theWeb server module 20, the Web server module 20 distributes correspondinghomepage information to the Web browser CC. The Web browser CC thenopens a homepage shown in FIG. 15.

When the user selects and clicks a working state setting icon WC on thehomepage displayed on the Web browser CC, the URL assigned to theclicked working state setting icon WC is specified. The Web servermodule 20 selects page information corresponding to the specified URLout of the page information database 25 and distributes the selectedpage information to the Web browser CC. The Web browser CC opens aworking state setting menu window shown in FIG. 16 as a Web page. FIG.16 shows a Web Menu including five option buttons, a Video button VB, anAudio button AB, a Advanced Setting button HB, an Information button IB,and a Reset button RB.

When the user presses a desired option button among the five optionbuttons, the URL assigned to the pressed option button is specified. TheWeb server module 20 selects page information corresponding to thespecified URL out of the page information database 25 and distributesthe selected page information to the Web browser CC. A correspondingsetting window is then displayed on the Web browser CC as the Web page.For example, in response to a press of the Video button VB, a videosetting window shown in FIG. 17 is open. FIG. 17 shows a menu includingfour menu options, that is, ‘Brightness’, ‘Contrast’, ‘Sharpness’, and‘Gamma Correction’ as image-related controllable working conditions.

A ‘Brightness’ field includes a working state display scale expressed bysix brightness levels, as well as a Brightness Down button IDB on theleft side of the working state display scale and a Brightness Up buttonIUB on the right side of the working state display scale. ‘Contrast’ and‘Sharpness’ fields respectively have the same arrangement as that of the‘Brightness’ field.

A ‘Gamma Correction’ field includes three radio buttons corresponding tothree different levels, ‘Dynamic’, ‘Normal’, and ‘Natural’.

In another example, in response to a press of the Audio button AB inFIG. 16, an audio setting window shown in FIG. 18 is open. FIG. 18 showsa menu including three menu options ‘Volume’, ‘High Tone’ and ‘Low Tone’as audio-related controllable working conditions. ‘Volume’, ‘High Tone’and ‘Low Tone’ fields respectively have the same arrangement as that ofthe ‘Brightness’ field.

A corresponding Web window is displayed in response to a press of one ofthe other option buttons shown in FIG. 16, that is, the Advanced Settingbutton HB, the Information button IB, and the Reset button RB. Inresponse to a press of the Advanced Setting button HB, various settingwindows are open for projector-related settings, such as settings ofcolor and projector installation environment (for example, suspendedfrom the ceiling or rear projection). In response to a press of theInformation button IB, projector-related information, for example, alamp-on time, an image type, and a resolution, is displayed. In responseto a press of the Reset button RB, a setting window is open toinitialize the working conditions of the projector.

A process of changing the working condition of the projector 10 isdiscussed below with an example of changing the brightness of the imageon the video setting window shown in FIG. 17. The Brightness Up buttonIUB is pressed to heighten the brightness, whereas the Brightness Downbutton IDB is pressed to lower the brightness. One press of theBrightness Up button IUB causes control information for heightening thebrightness level by one step (brightness up command) to be transmittedto the Web server module 20. Simultaneously a Web page update command istransmitted to once close the video setting window displayed on the Webbrowser CC as the Web page.

The working state controller 27 of the Web server module 20 (see FIG.14) identifies the transmitted control information (command) as eitherinformation addressed to the projector module 30 or informationaddressed to the ASP terminal module 20. The brightness up command isidentified as the command addressed to the projector module 30 and isthus transferred to the projector module 30. The projector module 30heightens the brightness of the image in response to this command.Namely the working condition of the projector module 30 is changed. Theworking status information collecting unit 22 (FIG. 14) newly collectsinformation representing the updated working condition of the projectormodule 30 as the working status information 23. The page informationdistribution unit 24 (FIG. 14) then distributes the page informationincluding the newly collected working status information to the Webbrowser CC. The video setting window is open again on the Web browser CCas the Web page updated according to the newly collected working statusinformation 23. FIG. 19 shows the video setting window after a rise ofthe brightness level by one step. The lit-up radio button on thebrightness display scale is shifted to the one-step up position from theposition of FIG. 17 (namely, the position of the closed circle isshifted rightward by one from the position of FIG. 17).

Although the above description regards the process of changing thebrightness of the image in the video setting window, the similarprocedure is applied for the setting in various other setting windows.

As described above, in the arrangement of the second embodiment, variousworking conditions of the projector 10 are regulated according to theuser's input control information on the Web page distributed to anddisplayed on the Web browser, which is executed in the client computerCC, by the Web server module 20. This arrangement enables the user whois apart from the projector 10 to readily control the working conditionsof the projector 10. Compared with the prior art projectors, theprojector of this embodiment thus enhances the operatability forcontrolling the working conditions thereof.

The Web page discussed in the second embodiment is just an example forthe purpose of describing the present invention, and the presentinvention is not restricted to this example in any sense.

F. Third Embodiment

The following describes still another projector in a third embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 20 illustrates a projection display systemin the third embodiment of the present invention. This projectiondisplay system includes a projector PJ1 (that is, a projection-typedisplay apparatus PJ1) and a computer PC1, which are connected to eachother via a network NW, such as a LAN. The computer PC1 shown in FIG. 20corresponds to the external input apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the computer PC1 is provided with a mouse MS as apointing device. As discussed later, operation information OPScorresponding to an operation of the mouse MS is supplied to theprojector PJ1 via the network NW. The projector PJ1 carries out a presetseries of processing with regard to an image to be projected anddisplayed, based on the operation information OPS. For example, theprojector PJ1 causes a pointer image PPJ to be generated in an originalimage ORG displayed on a screen SC, based on the operation informationOPS supplied via the network NW. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, thecomputer PC1 supplies the operation information OPS to the projectorPJ1, but does not supply video data representing the original image ORGand the pointer image PPJ.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the structure of the projector PJ1shown in FIG. 20. The projector PJ1 includes a CPU 1100, an externalstorage device 1102, an internal storage device 1104 like a ROM and aRAM, an analog video signal input module 1108, an image processingmodule 1110, a liquid crystal light valve driving module 1120, a liquidcrystal light valve 1130, an ornamental image processing module 1140, amenu image processing module 1150, a remote control signal processingmodule 1160, a scanning device 1170 that reads, for example, video datastored in a memory card MC, and a network interface module 1180. The CPU1100, the external storage device, 1102, the internal storage device1104, the image processing module 1110, the ornamental image processingmodule 1140, the menu window processing module 1150, the remote controlsignal processing module 1160, the scanning device 1170, and the networkinterface module 1180 are mutually connected via a bus 1100 b. Theliquid crystal light valve 1130 is illuminated substantially uniformlywith a lighting optical system 11200. Image rays formed by the lightcrystal light valve 1130 are projected on the screen SC by the functionof a projection optical system 1220. In the illustration of FIG. 21, theoptical systems 11200 and 1220 are simplified.

An input device, such as a keyboard and a mouse, may be connected to theprojector PJ1 of the embodiment via a non-illustrated interface.

The analog video signal input module 1108 receives an analog videosignal AV1 supplied from an external image supply apparatus (not shown).The analog video signal AV1 may be, for example, an RGB signalrepresenting a computer image supplied from a personal computer or acomposite video signal representing a motion picture supplied from avideo recorder or a television set. The analog video signal input module1108 functions to carry out A-D conversion of the input analog videosignal AV1 and output a digital video data DV1.

The image processing module 1110 functions to combine original videodata with ornamental video data and thereby generate composite videodata. This causes the pointer image PPJ (see FIG. 20) expressed by theornamental video data to be superimposed on the original image ORG (seeFIG. 20) expressed by the original video data. The original video dataare temporarily written into a non-illustrated frame memory included inthe image processing module 1110. The image processing module 1110combines the original video data with the ornamental video data whenreading the original video data from the frame memory, and suppliesresulting composite video data DDV to the liquid crystal light valvedriving module 1120.

The original video data may be the video data DV1 supplied from theanalog video signal input module 1108, video data supplied from thenetwork via the network interface module 1180, menu video data suppliedfrom the menu image processing module 1150, and video data read from thememory card MC supplied from the scanning device 1170. The ornamentalvideo data is supplied from the ornamental image processing module 1140.

The ornamental image represents an image prepared independently of theoriginal image (that is, an additional image), and is superimposed on(added to) the original image to be projected and displayed on thescreen SC.

The liquid crystal light valve driving module 1120 generates imagedisplay data SD according to the composite video data DDV supplied fromthe image processing module 1110. The liquid crystal light valve 1130 isdriven in response to the image display data SD. The liquid crystallight valve 1130 modulates the light emitted from the lighting opticalsystem 11200 to generate image rays representing an image.

The ornamental image processing module 1140 functions to generateornamental video data representing an ornamental image and supply theornamental video data to the image processing module 1110. Moreconcretely the ornamental image processing module 1140 generates diverseornamental video data, for example, pointer video data representing thepointer image PPJ (see FIG. 20) and data representing specific shapedimages (for example, finger-pointing images) and drawing images (forexample, box images and frame images) of desired sizes generated byspecifying the range with the pointer image PPJ, and supplies thegenerated ornamental video data to the image processing module 1110.

The menu image processing module 1150 functions to generate menu videodata representing a menu image and supply the menu video data to theimage processing module 1110. The user specifies various settingsrelating to the projector PJ1 according to the menu image.

The network interface module 1180 functions to connect the projector PJ1with the LAN and supply the operation information OPS, which has beentransmitted from the computer PC1 via the LAN, to the CPU 1100 via thebus 1100 b. The CPU 1100 controls the image processing module 1110, theornamental image processing module 1140, and the menu image processingmodule 1150, based on the supplied operation information OPS. In thecase where the operation information OPS includes positional informationrepresenting the position of the pointer image PPJ (FIG. 20) to besuperimposed on the original image ORG, the ornamental image processingmodule 1140 transmits the pointer video data to the image processingmodule 1110, based on the operation information (positional information)OPS. The image processing module 1110 combines the pointer video datawith the original video data according to the operation information(positional information) OPS, so that the pointer image PPJ issuperimposed at the preset position on the original image ORG. Thenetwork interface module 1180 also functions to supply video data, whichhas been transmitted via the LAN, to the image processing module 1110 asthe original video data as discussed later.

The remote control signal processing module 1160 (FIG. 21) controls thefunctions of the respective constituents of the projector PJ1 inresponse to control signals sent from a remote control RM. For example,the remote control signal processing module 1160 controls the functionsof the ornamental image processing module 1140 in response to a controlsignal sent from the remote control RM and causes the pointer image PPJto be superimposed at a preset position on the original image ORG. Inthe projection display system of this embodiment, the mouse MS (see FIG.20) of the computer PC1 connecting with the LAN may be operated in placeof the remote control RM to superimpose the pointer image PPJ at thepreset position on the original image ORG.

The CPU 1100, the image processing module 1110, and the ornamental imageprocessing module 1140 shown in FIG. 21 correspond to the video datageneration module of the present invention.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the structure of the computer PC1shown in FIG. 20. The computer PC1 includes a CPU 1300, an externalstorage device 1310, a ROM 1320, a RAM 1330, a display unit 1350, and aninput unit 1360 like a mouse MS and a keyboard KB. The computer PC1 isalso provided with a network interface module 1380 for connection withthe LAN.

A programs for actualizing the functions of an operation informationgeneration module 1332 is stored in the RAM 1330. The operationinformation generation module 1332 functions to detect a user'soperation of the input unit 1360 and generate the operation informationOPS based on the result of the detection. The generated operationinformation OPS is supplied to the projector PJ1 via the networkinterface module 1380.

The computer program for actualizing the functions of the operationinformation generation module 1332 is recorded in a computer readablerecording medium, such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. The computerreads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers thecomputer program to either the internal storage device or the externalstorage device. The computer program may be supplied to the computer viaa communication path. A microprocessor in the computer executes thecomputer program stored in the internal storage device to actualize thefunctions of the computer program. Otherwise the computer may directlyread and execute the computer program recorded in the recording medium.

In the specification hereof, the term ‘computer’ is the conceptincluding the hardware structure and the operating system and representsthe hardware structure working under control of the operating system. Inthe case where the operating system is not required but an applicationprogram alone actuates the hardware structure, the hardware structureitself is equivalent to the computer. The hardware structure includes atleast a microprocessor like a CPU and means for reading a computerprogram recorded in a recording medium. The computer program includesprogram codes, which cause the computer to attain the functions of therespective means. Part of the functions may be actualized by theoperating system, instead of the application program.

Available examples of the ‘recording medium’ in the present inventioninclude flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optic discs, IC cards, ROMcartridges, punched cards, prints with barcodes or other codes printedthereon, internal storage devices (memories like a RAM and a ROM) andexternal storage devices of the computer, and a variety of othercomputer readable media.

FIG. 23 shows one application of the projection display system of FIG.20. In the projection display system of FIG. 23, a plurality ofcomputers PC1, PC2, . . . are connected to one projector PJ1 via a LAN.In this projection display system, for example, when the mouse MS ismoved in the first computer PC1, operation information OPS generated inresponse to the movement of the mouse MS is supplied to the projectorPJ1 via the LAN. The projector PJ1 then moves the pointer image PPJsuperimposed on the original image ORG displayed on the screen SC, inconnection with the movement of the mouse MS. Such operations are alsoattained in the other computers PC2, PC3 . . . This projection displaysystem is effectively used for sequential presentations made by aplurality of people with one projector PJ1. Since there is no need oftransferring one remote control RM among the respective presenters, thesequential presentations are performed smoothly.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing series of processing executed by theprojector PJ1 and the computer PC1. The projector PJ1 displays theoriginal image ORG on the screen SC at step T101.

At step S1101, the computer PC1 activates an operation informationgeneration program to generate the operation information OPS in responseto an operation of the input unit 1360. The operation informationgeneration program stored in the external storage device 1310 shown inFIG. 22 is expanded in the RAM 1330 and works as the operationinformation generation module 1332. Activation of the operationinformation generation program causes an Operation Detection window DWto be open on the display unit 1350 of the computer PC1.

FIG. 25 shows the Operation Detection window DW open on the display unit1350 of the computer PC1. The Operation Detection window DW and a Memowindow MW for a memorandum, for example, in which the contents of apresentation are written, are open on the display unit 1350 shown inFIG. 25.

The Operation Detection window DW includes a ‘PJ Selection’ button B1, a‘Resolution Selection’ button B2, a ‘Menu’ button B3, a ‘Start’ buttonBS, an ‘End’ button BE, and an operation information generation area GA.The operation information generation area GA represents an area in whichthe operation information OPS is generated in response to each operationof the mouse MS. In the example of FIG. 25, a pointer image PPCcorresponding to the mouse MS is movable over the whole area of thedisplay unit 1350. The operation information OPS in response to eachoperation of the mouse MS is generated, however, only when the pointerimage PPC is present in the operation information generation area GA.While the user operates the mouse MS with the pointer image PPC out ofthe operation information generation area GA, the operation informationOPS corresponding to the operation of the mouse MS is not generated. Theuser can thus perform other operations with the mouse MS, for example,an operation of changing the memorandum shown in the Memo window MW.

Referring back to FIG. 24, settings of the projector PJ1 are specifiedat step S1102. In a concrete procedure, the user selects a desiredprojector and sets the resolution suitable for the selected projector.

The user actuates the ‘PJ Selection’ button B1 included in the OperationDetection window DW to select the desired projector. A selection field(not shown) for selecting the projector is displayed in response to aclick of the ‘PJ Selection’ button B1 with the mouse MS. In the casewhere a plurality of projectors are connected to the LAN, information onthe plurality of projectors is displayed in the selection field. Theuser selects the desired projector ‘PJ1’ among one or plural projectorsdisplayed in the selection field.

The user then actuates the ‘Resolution Selection’ button B2 included inthe Operation Detection window DW to set the resolution suitable for theprojector PJ1. A selection field (not shown) for selecting theresolution is displayed in response to a click of the ‘ResolutionSelection’ button B2 with the mouse MS. For example, when the effectivedisplay area of the liquid crystal light valve 1130 (FIG. 21) in theprojector PJ1 has a resolution XGA (1024×768), ‘XGA’ is selected as theresolution of the projector PJ1. Setting the resolution of the projectorPJ1 causes the image area of the original image ORG projected anddisplayed on the screen SC to be mapped to the operation informationgeneration area GA. Namely the positional relation of the pointer imagePPC in the operation information generation area GA is madesubstantially coincident with the positional relation of the pointerimage PPJ in the original image ORG.

On conclusion of the settings with regard to the projector PJ1 at stepS1102, the computer PC1 outputs start information representing a startof transmission of the operation information OPS at step S1103. This isexecuted when the user actuates the ‘Start’ button BS included in theOperation Detection window DW. When the user clicks the ‘Start’ buttonBS, the start information is output from the network interface module1380 to the network interface module 1180 of the projector PJ1 via theLAN.

When receiving the start information, the projector PJ1 prepares fordisplay of the pointer image PPJ on the original image ORG in asuperimposing manner at step T102. In a concrete procedure, the CPU 1100causes the ornamental image processing module 1140 to generate pointervideo data, based on the start information transmitted to the networkinterface module 1180.

In the application of FIG. 23, when the start information is transmittedfrom the first computer PC1 to the projector PJ1, the projector PJ1carries out the processing only based on the operation information OPSoutput from the first computer PC1 and ignores information sent from anyother computers PC2, PC3, . . . until output of end information (stepS1108) discussed later. Namely the first computer PC1 exclusively usesthe projector PJ1.

At step S1104, the user operates the mouse MS functioning as the inputunit 1360. Here the operation of the mouse MS may be a motion of themouse MS or a press of a switch on the mouse MS.

At step S1105, the computer PC1 detects the operation of the mouse MSfunctioning as the input unit 1360. At subsequent step S1106, thecomputer PC1 generates the operation information OPS, based on theresult of the detection at step S1105.

As described previously, the operation information generation module1332 of this embodiment detects the operation of the mouse MS only whenthe pointer image PPC corresponding to the mouse MS is present in theoperation information generation area GA on the Operation Detectionwindow DW. The position of the pointer image PPC in the operationinformation generation area GA is specified by coordinate valuesaccording to the preset resolution of the projector PJ1 (step S1102). Inthis embodiment, XGA (1024×768) is set to the resolution of theprojector PJ1. The pointer images PPC present on the upper left corner,on the center, and on the lower right corner of the operationinformation generation area GA are respectively expressed by coordinatevalues (1,1), coordinate values (512,384), and coordinate values(1024,768). Such coordinate value information represents the positionalinformation of the mouse MS and is output as the operation informationOPS.

At step S1107, the computer PC1 transmits the operation information OPS.The operation information OPS is converted into a data format for thenetwork and output by the network interface module 1380 (see FIG. 22).

The projector PJ1 displays an image based on the operation informationOPS at step T103. In a concrete procedure, the pointer image PPJ isdisplayed at a predetermined position in the original image ORG (thatis, a position corresponding to the position of the pointer image PPC inthe operation information generation area GA), based on the operationinformation OPS. The computer PC1 supplies the operation information OPSto the projector PJ1, but does not supply pointer video datarepresenting the pointer image PPJ.

Iterative execution of steps S1104 to S1107 and T103 enables the pointerimage PPJ in the original image ORG projected and displayed on thescreen SC to be moved in connection with the movement of the mouse MS.

At step S1108, end information representing an end of transmission ofthe operation information OPS is output. This is executed when the useractuates the ‘End’ button BE included in the Operation Detection windowDW. When the user clicks the ‘End’ button BE, the end information isoutput from the network interface module 1380 to the network interfacemodule 1180 of the projector PJ1 via the LAN.

When receiving the end information, the projector PJ1 eliminates thepointer image PPJ superimposed on the original image ORG at step T104.In a concrete procedure, the CPU 1100 causes the ornamental imageprocessing module 1140 to stop the output of the pointer video data,based on the end information transmitted to the network interface module1180.

The above description regards the operation of simply moving the mouseMS at step S1104. In the case where the user moves the mouse MS whilepressing the switch on the mouse MS, an area may be specified in theprojected and displayed image ORG. In the projector PJ1 of thisembodiment, an ornamental image different from the pointer image, forexample, a box image or a frame image, may be superimposed in thespecified area on the original image ORG. As clearly understood fromsuch discussion, not only the positional information of the mouse MS butswitch information of the mouse MS is generated as the operationinformation OPS at step S1106.

FIG. 26 shows a process of superimposing a box image PB on the originalimage ORG by utilizing the pointer image PPJ in the original image ORG.The size of the box image PB is determined by specifying two opposingvertexes (a starting point and an end point) of the box image PB in theoriginal image ORG. FIGS. 26(A-1) to (A-3) show the operationinformation generation area GA included in the Operation Detectionwindow DW (FIG. 25). FIGS. 26(B-1) to (B-3) show the original image ORGdisplayed on the screen SC by the projector PJ1.

In FIG. 26(A-1), the user operates the mouse MS of the computer PC1 tospecify a starting point P1C for defining an area. In a concreteprocedure, the use moves the mouse MS to move the pointer image PPC tothe starting point P1C and presses the switch on the mouse MS at thestarting point P1C. At this moment, a starting point P1J is specified bythe pointer image PPJ in the original image ORG as shown in FIG.26(B-1). When the starting point P1J is specified in the original imageORG, a starting point image PS representing the starting point of thebox image PB is superimposed at the position of the starting point P1J.

In FIG. 26(A-2), the user moves the mouse MS to an end point P2C of thearea while pressing the switch on the mouse MS. At this moment, a framedefined by a line segment connecting the starting point P1C with the endpoint P2C as a diagonal is shown by the broken line in the operationinformation generation area GA. In response to the appearance of thestarting point image PS, an end point image PE replaces the pointerimage PPJ and is used to specify an end point P2J in the original imageORG as shown in FIG. 26(B-2).

In FIG. 26(A-3), the user stops pressing the switch on the mouse MS. Atthis moment, the box image PB is superimposed in the area defined by thestarting point P1J and the end point P2J on the original image ORG asshown in FIG. 26(B-3).

Ornamental video data representing the ornamental images, that is, thestarting point image PS, the end point image PE, and the box image PBare prepared by the ornamental image processing module 1140 (FIG. 21)and supplied to the image processing module 1110.

The type of the ornamental image, such as the box image PB, superimposedon the original image ORG is specified in advance by actuating the‘Menu’ button B3 included in the Operation Detection window DW (FIG.25). When the user clicks the ‘Menu’ button B3 in the computer PC1, menudisplay start information is output to the projector PJ1 via the LAN.The CPU 1100 in the projector PJ1 controls the menu image processingmodule 1150 and the image processing module 1110, based on the menudisplay start information transmitted to the network interface module1180, and projects and displays a menu image as the original image ORGon the screen SC. The user selects a desired type of the ornamentalimage with the pointer image PPJ superimposed on the original image ORG(menu image). One modified arrangement may use the remote control RM todisplay the menu image and select the desired type of the ornamentalimage.

The above description regards the case of operating the mouse MS as theinput unit 1360 of the computer PC1. The operation information OPS isalso generated in response to an operation of the keyboard KBfunctioning as the input unit 1360. When the user operates the keyboardKB at step S1104, the operation information generation module 1332detects the key operation and generates the operation information OPSincluding key information based on the result of the detection at stepsS1105 and S1106. At step T103, the projector PJ1 displays an image,based on the operation information OPS transmitted from the computer PC1(step S1107). FIG. 27 shows an image projected and displayed in responseto a user's operation of the keyboard KB as the input unit 1360. In theexample of FIG. 27, a symbol image PM consisting of letters ‘Here!’corresponding to the key information is superimposed in the vicinity ofthe position specified by the pointer image PPJ on the original imageORG. When the operation information OPS includes the key information, asymbol image of letters and the like is superimposed on the originalimage ORG. This enhances the effects of the presentation. Symbol videodata representing the symbol image is prepared by the ornamental imageprocessing module 1140 and supplied to the image processing module 1110.

In the third embodiment, the operation of the keyboard KB is alsodetected only when the pointer image PPC is present in the operationinformation generation area GA on the Operation Detection window DW(FIG. 25). The pointer image PPC out of the operation informationgeneration area GA thus enables the user to perform other operationswith the keyboard KB, for example, an operation of editing the contentsof the memorandum in the Memo window MW.

As described above, the projection display system of the thirdembodiment includes the external input apparatus PC1 and the projectorPJ1 that are connected with each other via the network NW. The externalinput apparatus PC1 has the operation information generation module1332, which detects a user's operation of the input unit 1360 andgenerates the operation information based on a result of the detection.The projector PJ1 has the video data generation module 1100, 1110, and1140 that generates video data DDV representing a resulting image, whichis obtained by superimposing an ornamental image expressed by ornamentalvideo data at a predetermined position on an original image expressed byoriginal video data, based on the operation information OPS transmittedvia the network NW. As mentioned above, the external input apparatus PC1supplies the operation information OPS to the projector PJ1, but doesnot supply the ornamental video data representing the ornamental imageto be displayed on the original image. The user can thus readily makethe ornamental image superimposed on the original image by a simpleoperation of the input unit 1360 incorporated in the external inputapparatus PC1.

G. Fourth Embodiment

The technique of the third embodiment causes the projector PJ1 (or theprojection display apparatus PJ1) to superimpose the pointer image PPJor an ornamental image different from the pointer image on the projectedand displayed original image ORG, in response to a user's operation ofthe input unit 1360 of the computer PC1 (see FIG. 22). Anotherapplication allows the user to directly edit the contents of theprojected and displayed original image ORG through operations of theinput unit 1360 of the computer PC1.

The projector PJ1 (FIG. 21) stores an application program in theexternal storage device 1102 to attain such functions. When theprojector PJ1 activates the application program stored in the externalstorage device 1102, the application program is expanded in the internalstorage device (RAM) 1104 and executed by the CPU 1100. Execution windowdata generated by the application program is supplied to the imageprocessing module 1110 and used as the original video data. Thisarrangement enables the user to directly edit the contents of theoriginal image (execution window) ORG generated by the applicationprogram through operations of the input unit 1360 of the computer PC1.

The recent trend promotes the use of application programs by the SBC(Server Based Computing) method, although the application programs haveconventionally been used by the download method. In the download method,the user dynamically downloads a desired application program from aserver to a client machine and installs the downloaded applicationprogram on the client machine, so as to attain use of the applicationprogram.

In the SBC method, on the other hand, the user causes an applicationprogram to be executed on a server and utilizes an execution window ofthe application program on the server via a client machine. In thisapplication, operation information of a keyboard or a mouse is suppliedfrom the client machine to the server, while update data of theexecution window is supplied from the server to the client machine. Thisarrangement separates the operations of the application program from theclient machine, thus ensuring the use of the application programirrespective of the performance of the client machine. The executionwindow data is supplied in a specific format, and the client machinedisplays the execution window based on the supplied data in the specificformat.

In the structure of the fourth embodiment, the projector PJ1(projection-type display apparatus PJ1) may function as the clientmachine. In this case, there is no need of storing the applicationprogram in the projector PJ1. This accordingly enables reduction of therequired storage capacities of the external storage device 1102 and theinternal storage device 1104.

FIG. 28 shows a projection display system in the fourth embodiment. Theprojection display system includes a projector PJ1 (projection-typedisplay apparatus PJ1), a computer PCs, and a server SB. The projectorPJ1, the computer PC1, and the server SB are mutually connected via anetwork NW.

The projector PJ1 functions as the client machine discussed above andcauses an execution window of an application program supplied from theserver SB to be projected and displayed on a screen SC. The internalstructure of the projector PJ1 is substantially similar to that of FIG.21 and is thus not specifically described here. The difference is thatthe network interface module 1180 (see FIG. 21) has a non-illustratedinternal viewer module, which prepares execution window datarepresenting the execution window based on supplied data DT in aspecific format. The execution window data is supplied to the imageprocessing module 1110 (see FIG. 21) and used as the original videodata.

Like the system including the projector PJ1 that stores the applicationprogram in its external storage device 1102, in this projection displaysystem, the user operates the input unit 1360 (see FIG. 22) of thecomputer PC1 to directly edit the contents of the projected anddisplayed original image (execution window) ORG.

FIG. 29 shows a series of processing to directly edit the contents ofthe original image ORG projected and displayed on the screen SC. In theexample of FIG. 29, an execution window generated by a word processingprogram is displayed as the original image ORG.

In the state of FIG. 29(A), the user moves a mouse MS attached to thecomputer PC1 to superimpose a pointer image PPJ at a desired position onthe projected and displayed original image (execution window) ORG. Likethe first embodiment, the operation information OPS that is suppliedfrom the computer PC1 and includes positional information is used forthe process of superimposing the pointer image PPJ in the projector PJ1.In this state shown in FIG. 29(A), the pointer image PPJ is superimposedat the position of a letter ‘M’ on the original image ORG.

In the state of FIG. 29(B), the user presses (clicks) a switch mountedon the mouse MS and causes a cursor CS to be displayed at a desiredposition in the original image (execution window) ORG. The operationinformation that is supplied from the computer PC1 and includes switchinformation is first supplied to the projector PJ1, which then transmitsthe supplied operation information OPS to the server SB via the networkNW. The server SB causes the cursor to be displayed at a desiredposition in the execution window generated by the word processingprogram, based on the operation information OPS including the positionalinformation of the mouse MS and the switch information. The server SBsupplies the updated window with the cursor to the projector PJ1 via thenetwork NW, and the projector PJ1 projects and displays the updatedwindow as the original image ORG on the screen SC. In this state shownin FIG. 29(B), the projector PJ1 superimposes the pointer image PPJ onthe original image (updated window) ORG, based on the operationinformation OPS.

In the state of FIG. 29(C), the user operates a key on a keyboard KBattached to the computer PC1, so as to input a letter or symbol at thecursor position in the original image ORG. The operation information OPSthat is supplied from the computer PC1 and includes key information isfirst supplied to the projector PJ1, which then transmits the suppliedoperation information OPS to the server SB via the network NW. Theserver SB inputs the letter or symbol at the cursor position in theexecution window generated by the word processing program, based on theoperation information OPS including the key information of the keyboardKB. The server SB supplies the edited updated window to the projectorPJ1 via the network NW, and the projector PJ1 projects and displays theupdated window as the original image ORG on the screen SC. In this stateshown in FIG. 29(C), the displayed original image (updated window) ORGincludes a letter ‘L’ inserted between letters ‘K’ and ‘M’.

As shown in FIGS. 29(A) to 29(C), the user operates the input unit 1360attached to the computer PC1 to directly edit the contents of theprojected and displayed image (execution window) ORG. In the example ofFIG. 29, the projector PJ1 projects and displays the execution window ofthe application program supplied from the server SB on the screen SC.The contents of the original image (execution window) ORG may alsodirectly be edited when the projector PJ1 projects and displays anexecution window generated by an application program stored in theinternal storage device 1104. The advantage of the former arrangement isreduction of the required storage capacities of the external storagedevice 1102 and the internal storage device 1104 of the computer PC1 asmentioned previously. The advantage of the latter arrangement is, on theother hand, that the projector PJ1 is not required to transmit theoperation information OPS, which has been supplied from the computerPC1, to the server SB. The CPU 1100 in the projector PJ1 causes thenetwork interface module 1180 to implement the supply of the operationinformation OPS from the projector PJ1 to the server SB.

In the arrangement of the third embodiment, an ornamental image, whichis different from the pointer image PPJ, is superimposed on the originalimage ORG through an operation of the input unit 1360 at the position ofthe pointer image PPJ superimposed on the original image ORG. In thearrangement of the fourth embodiment, on the other hand, the contents ofthe original image (execution window) ORG are edited through anoperation of the input unit 1360 at the position of the pointer imagePPJ superimposed on the original image ORG. The technique of the fourthembodiment may also superimpose an ornamental image, which is differentfrom the pointer image PPJ, on the original image (execution window)ORG. The projector PJ1 thus differentiates the process of superimposingthe ornamental image on the original image ORG (ornament mode) from theprocess of directly editing the contents of the original image(execution window)ORG, based on the operation information OPS suppliedafter the superposition of the pointer image PPJ on the original image(ORG). The changeover of the processing mode is carried out on a menuwindow, and the CPU 1100 (see FIG. 21) controls the respective elementsaccording to the selected processing mode.

As described above, the projection display system of the fourthembodiment includes the external input apparatus PC1 and the projectorPJ1 that are connected with each other via the network NW. The externalinput apparatus PC1 has the operation information generation module1332, which detects a user's operation of the input unit 1360 andgenerates the operation information OPS based on a result of thedetection. The projector PJ1 has the video data processing module 1100,1110, and 1140 that generates video data DDV representing a resultingimage, which is obtained by superimposing the pointer image at apredetermined position on the original image ORG and editing thecontents of the original image (execution window) ORG, based on theoperation information OPS supplied via the network NW. The user'soperation of the input unit 1360 incorporated in the external inputapparatus PC1 enables the projector PJ1 to readily execute the series ofprocessing with regard to the contents of the image to be projected anddisplayed.

The projector, the projection display system, and the correspondingmethod and recording medium of the present invention are discussed abovewith the first through the fourth embodiments. These embodiments are,however, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and notrestrictive. There may be many modifications, changes, and alterationswithout departing from the scope or spirit of the main characteristicsof the present invention. All changes within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.Some examples of possible modification are given below.

(1) For example, in the first embodiment, the action of dragging anddropping the file ion FL onto the projector icon PJ on the display 54sets the projector 10 as the destination of transfer and storage of thecorresponding data file. The destination of transfer and storage may beset to the file server FS connecting with the network. For example, inthe event that a large number of people make sequential presentations,the total capacity of file data may exceed the storage capacity of theexternal storage device 41 of the projector 10. In such cases, requiredfiles may be stored in the file server FS.

(2) The following procedure may be applied for reproduction of a file.The projector 10 collects in advance the file information stored in thefile server FS and displays the file information on the file selectionwindow for selection of a file. When a file stored in the file server FSis selected, the projector 10 transmits a selected file transferrequirement to the file server FS. The projector 10 receives theselected file and carries out its projection and display.

(3) In the case where the personal computer PC has a PCMCIA slot, a PCmemory card set in the PCMCIA slot may be set to the destination of thefile transfer from the personal computer PC. In such cases, even whenthe projector 10 is not connected to the network, insertion of the PCmemory card into the projector 10 after the file transfer from thepersonal computer PC to the PC memory card exerts the similar functionsand effects to those discussed in the above embodiments. Setting apassword is naturally required in the case of transferring a file to thePC memory card.

(4) The procedure of the first embodiment sets the password with thenumerals 1 to 5. This range is set only corresponding to the availablenumerals on the remote control 40 as mentioned previously. The passwordmay be set with numerals and letters other than 1 to 5 when the numeralsand letters other than 1 to 5 are available on the remote control 40. Inone possible application, the remote control 40 has a liquid crystalwindow and a password of letters and numerals may be input throughoperations of the joy stick 402. In another possible application,numerals and letters may be input through operations of a wirelesskeyboard.

(5) The technique of the first embodiment transfers the file with thepassword assigned thereto to the external storage device 41 of theprojector 10. In one modified arrangement, the personal computer PCencodes a file and transfers the encoded file to the projector 10, whichthen decodes the transferred encoded file. Such modification enhancesthe security level in the process of the file transfer via the networkline NL.

(6) The respective windows on the display 54 and on the projectiondisplay screen SR in the first embodiment are only illustrative and mayadequately be changed and modified in practice.

(7) In the first embodiment, the ASP terminal module 20 is used as therepresentative of the network terminal module. The projector 10 is,however, not restricted to the ASP terminal. One modified arrangementreceives application data (a file) via the network, opens the input fileaccording to a viewer application, and projects and displays an imagecorresponding to the file. In such cases, the projector 10 may identifythe type of the input file and automatically activate an optimum viewerapplication for the identified file type. Otherwise the server maytransmit an activation command for activating an optimum viewerapplication simultaneously with the file to the projector 10.

(8) In the first embodiment, each of the ASP terminal module 20 and theprojector module 30 is provided with the CPU, the RAM, and the ROM.These elements may, however, be included in only the ASP terminal module20. In such cases, the CPU in the ASP terminal module 20 controls theprojector module 30.

(9) In the structure of the first embodiment, the projector module 30includes the external video signal input terminal 312 and the externalaudio signal input terminal 322. These elements may, however, be omittedin the case where the projector is exclusively used under the connectionwith the network. This is because the video data and the audio data aresupplied via the network line NL in such cases.

(10) The various interface controllers are used in the structure of thefirst embodiment, but some of these internal controllers may be omittedaccording to the requirements, except the network interface controller220.

(11) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the computer PC1 uses themouse MS as the input unit 1360. The mouse MS may be replaced by anotherpointing device, such as a tablet, track ball, a track pad, or a joystick. These pointing devices have similar functions to those of themouse MS and correspond to the pointing device of the present invention.

(12) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the superimposing positionof the pointer image PPJ on the original image ORG is specified with themouse MS functioning as the input unit 1360. In the structure withoutthe mouse MS as the input unit 1360, the superimposing position of thepointer image PPJ may be specified with direction keys on the keyboardKB or with the ten keys on the keyboard KB. The direction keys and theten keys on the keyboard KB also function as the pointing device of thepresent invention.

(13) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the positional informationof the mouse MS included in the operation information OPS is expressedby coordinate values. The positional information may alternatively beexpressed by vector values representing travels. In the latter case,two-way communication is desired. In the case where a series ofpositional information generated in response to a movement of the mouseMS is expressed by vector values, if part of the positional informationis not transmitted to the projector PJ1, the positional relation of thepointer image PPC in the operation information generation area GA maynot be coincident with the positional relation of the pointer image PPJin the projected and displayed original image ORG. When the positionalinformation is expressed by vector values representing travels, it ispreferable that the projector PJ1 transmits a receive signal to thecomputer PC every time the projector PJ1 receives the operationinformation OPS. When no receive signal is given, the computer PC1 againtransmits the operation information OPS. In the case where a series ofpositional information generated in response to a movement of the mouseMS is expressed by coordinate values, on the other hand, even when partof the positional information is not transmitted to the projector PJ1,the positional relation of the pointer image PPC in the operationinformation generation area GA is substantially coincident with thepositional relation of the pointer image PPJ in the projected anddisplayed original image ORG. Namely the expression of the positionalinformation by coordinate values advantageously requires only one-waycommunication from the computer PC1 to the projector PJ1. In general,the operation information OPS may be transmitted by one-waycommunication from the computer PC1 to the projector PJ1 or by two-waycommunication between the projector PJ1 and the computer PC1.

(14) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the operation informationgeneration module 1332 included in the RAM 1330 of the computer PC1causes the operation information generation area GA (FIG. 25) to bedisplayed on the display unit 1350. Display of the operation informationgeneration area GA is, however, not essential. In the arrangementwithout the operation information generation area GA, the operationinformation OPS in response to an operation of the mouse MS is generatedwhen the pointer image PPC is present at any place in the whole displayarea on the display unit 1350.

(15) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the computer PC1 has thedisplay unit 1350. The display unit 1350 may, however, be omitted. Ingeneral, the external input apparatus of the present invention shouldinclude the input unit, the operation information generation module fordetecting a user's operation of the input unit and generating operationinformation based on the result of the detection, and the networkinterface module connecting with the network to supply the operationinformation to the projector via the network.

(16) In the third and the fourth embodiments, the user operates theinput unit 1360 of the computer PC1 to make an ornamental image, such asthe pointer image PPJ, superimposed on the original image ORG or todirectly edit the contents of the original image (execution window) ORGgenerated by an application program. The user may also cause theprojector PJ1 to carry out another series of processing on the image tobe projected and displayed through operations of the input unit 1360 ofthe computer PC1.

When the projector PJ1 requires input of the name of video data in theprocess of storing the video data in the external storage device 1102,the user may operate the keyboard KB of the computer PC1 to input anddisplay the name of the video data on a data name input window.

When the projector PJ1 requires input of a password in the process ofusing video data stored in a memory card MC as original video data, theuser may operate the keyboard KB of the computer PC1 to input anddisplay the password on a password input window. It is preferable that asymbol like ‘*’ different from the symbol actually input by the userappears on the projected and displayed password input window.

In general, the video data generation module included in the projectorof the present invention should carry out a predetermined processregarding contents of an image to be projected and displayed andgenerate resulting video data representing a projected and displayedimage, based on the operation information generated in response to anoperation of the input unit of the external input apparatus andtransmitted to the network interface module via the network.

The predetermined process regarding the contents of the image to beprojected and displayed, which is carried out by the video datageneration module, represents a process of changing the display contentsof the image (that is, the picture of the image) based on the operationinformation, for example, a process of causing an ornamental imageexpressed by ornamental video data to be superimposed at a predeterminedposition on an original image expressed by original video data.

(17) In the respective embodiments discussed above, part of the hardwarestructure may be replaced by the software configuration, while part ofthe software configuration may be replaced by the hardware structure.For example, part of the functions of the two CPUs 200 and 300 (see FIG.2) may be executed by specific hardware circuits.

(18) The above embodiments regard the projectors utilizing thetransmission-type liquid crystal panel. The technique of the presentinvention is also applicable to other types of projectors, for example,those utilizing a reflection-type liquid crystal panel, those utilizinga Micromirror Device (trade mark by Texas Instruments Inc.), and thoseusing a CRT.

1. A method of storing data to be displayed with a projector via acomputer, said method comprising the steps of: specifying data to bedisplayed; determining whether or not a requirement of storing thespecified data into a storage device is output; when it is determinedthat the storing requirement is output, requiring setting of a password;mapping the preset password to the specified data; and transferring thedata with the password to said storage device, wherein it is determinedthat the requirement of storing the specified data into said storagedevice is output, when an icon representing the specified data isdragged and dropped onto an icon representing said storage device on adisplay screen of said computer.